Cigar Tips for the Cigar Novice

Cigars are a luxury many of us choose to enjoy, for lots of different reasons. Whether it’s the flavour, aroma, or just the look, we are having a love affair with them.

Although, there are lots of people who have never tried one and it’s probably because they can seem a little intimidating to begin with. There’s a vast amount of questions that go with them, too, like how to choose one, how to hold it, how to cut it and how to smoke it.

Different parts of a Cigar

There’s quite a bit to learn about a cigar; they are made of three essential parts – the Filler, the Binder and the Wrapper.

The Filler is what makes the cigar, the stuff in the middle; it is what the cigar is filled with. The Binder is made up of thick tobacco leaves and helps bind the Filler together. The wrapper is the outside of the cigar, the big leaf; it’s what holds everything together and provides a lot of the flavour.

Cigar Choices

Choosing a cigar is important, and choosing a good dealer is essential to guarantee your selection is top quality. Once you’ve chosen a dealer buying cigars depends on what you fancy, there aren’t many rules; the darker the tobacco the stronger the flavour.

Cutting your Cigar

Making the cut on your cigar is important and there is a load of different ways to do it. Using a knife, cigar scissors, V-cutter or even your teeth; it’s your cigar, cut it however you want, just make sure you cut it in the right place; the rule is to slice the cigar just passed its shoulder, where it stops being round.

Puffing

A cigar isn’t a cigarette; you need to enjoy the flavours. Puff it gently and don’t inhale the smoke. You need to enjoy the flavours and aroma of the smoke; otherwise it is not worth having!

Holding a Cigar

A cigar should be held between your index finger and thumb, not like while smoking a cigarette.

Size

With cigars, the length of the ash is important. You should leave it slightly less than an inch long, the ash is important for a good smoking experience as it creates an air block which decreases the temperature of smoke, leaving the cigar burning longer.Once you’ve smoked your cigar (about half way down) you should let it die out, it’s done its job and you have to let go.

You can rest assured with these few tips you’ll be a well distinguished cigar smoker.